There is renewed hope for the resumption of primary education across the Federal Capital Territory as the Nigeria Union of Teachers may soon end its three-month-long strike, following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, revealed this to journalists on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting held in Abuja with area council chairmen, NUT leadership, FCT Administration officials, and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students and the National Assembly.
Amadi noted that the meeting was one in a series of interventions by the minister aimed at resolving the prolonged industrial action that has crippled primary education in the territory since March.
“Following extensive deliberations, a decision has been reached to withhold 10 per cent of the area councils’ Internally Generated Revenue from the past six months,” Amadi announced.
“These funds will be used to pay 70 per cent of the outstanding minimum wage owed to the striking teachers. While it may not cover all the arrears, it is a significant step forward in resolving the crisis.”
He further disclosed that a Special Committee has been set up to address the remaining issues. The committee will comprise three NUT representatives, two from the FCTA, one area council chairman, and one representative of NANS. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
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“In addition to resolving the teachers’ concerns, the minister has also committed to addressing all outstanding issues involving local government workers to ensure full administrative operations resume across all area councils,” Amadi added.
Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi confirmed the resolution, acknowledging that while it was a tough concession for the councils, it was necessary.
“We’ve agreed, as council chairmen, to forgo six months of our 10 per cent IGR share so the teachers can receive what they are owed,” Abdullahi said. “This is not in our favour, but we recognize the need to act in the interest of our children’s education and bring the strike to an end.”
He urged the teachers’ union to consider the efforts made and suspend the strike.
“Minister Wike has no legal authority to take the IGR, yet he persuaded us through dialogue. We believe this sacrifice is worth making for the sake of the children,” he added.
Also reacting, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, praised the resolution and expressed optimism that the agreement would finally lead to the teachers returning to the classroom.
“We appreciate the courage of the minister and the understanding of the chairmen. It is clear everyone is committed to seeing this issue resolved. Any chairman could have challenged the decision in court, but unity prevailed,” Oladoja remarked.
On his part, FCT NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the outcome of the meeting but said the union’s final decision would come after consultations with its State Executive Council.
The primary school teachers had embarked on strike in March 2025 over the non-implementation of the national minimum wage.
Other grievances included unpaid 25 and 35 per cent salary increases, a 40 per cent peculiar allowance, non-payment of the N35,000 wage award, and delays in implementing a 2022-agreed entitlement template.
